The Mercedes-Benz CSR Committee recently hosted its 13th annual Give ‘n Race charity run in Busan, attracting an impressive 20,000 participants. This landmark event successfully raised a record-breaking 1.02 billion won (approximately $750,000) in vital donations, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community support in South Korea.
The Give ‘n Race is a unique charity run model designed for maximum impact, where all participant entry fees are directly donated in their name. This year’s Busan event further enhanced its philanthropic efforts by introducing a “special donation” program alongside the standard 50,000 won participation fee, encouraging runners to make additional voluntary contributions for even greater community benefit.
These substantial proceeds will be channeled directly into critical initiatives, including the establishment of essential child protection centers, the development of vibrant youth cultural facilities, and robust scholarship programs specifically designed to support aspiring young athletes across the nation.
Drawing participants from across the country, the event’s scenic route began at the iconic Bexco outdoor plaza, offering breathtaking views as runners crossed the magnificent Gwangan Bridge, ultimately finishing at the popular Gwangalli Beach. This journey highlighted Busan’s beauty while supporting a noble cause.
The event truly showcased its broad public appeal, attracting runners of all ages – from the youngest participant born in 2024 to the eldest born in 1949 – embodying an inclusive spirit of giving back to the community.
High-profile attendees underscored the event’s significance, including Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon; Mathias Vaitl, who serves as both Chairman of the Mercedes-Benz CSR Committee and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea; Hoon-kyu Lee, Chairman of the Future for Youth Foundation; and Byung-han Choi, President of Busan MBC.
Adding to the festive and engaging atmosphere, various on-site programs were thoughtfully organized in collaboration with esteemed partners like Columbia, Coca-Cola, Dong Suh Foods, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, and SK Telecom, enhancing the overall participant experience.
Mathias Vaitl emphasized the core mission, stating, “Give ‘n Race has evolved into a profoundly meaningful CSR initiative, demonstrating how voluntary participation can generate immense value through collective giving. Mercedes-Benz is dedicated to continuously expanding this culture of philanthropy and actively contributing to a robust social safety net for future generations.”
Since its inception in Seoul in 2017, the Give ‘n Race has consistently grown to become one of Mercedes-Benz Korea’s flagship corporate social responsibility programs. Following this year’s successful Busan event, cumulative participation has now surpassed 165,000 individuals, with total donations exceeding an impressive 8.6 billion won, marking a significant philanthropic milestone.
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